“My mother loves you. You already know that. It’s not going to change just because I’m bringing you into the family.”
That really set me to sweating. I was going to be part of Herne’s family. And when you married somebody, you married the family along with them. Which meant Cernunnos would be my father-in-law. But I said nothing, simply forcing a smile as I stood and gathered my things.
“I’ll go get ready for the parley.” I escaped out of the break room before he could catch me. We had long enough to talk in the car, although I was grateful Viktor was going with us. I was suddenly feeling extremely awkward, and I wasn’t sure how to deal with the unexpected shift into insecurity. I headed into my office, closing the door behind me. And there, I sank down on the sofa, trying to calm my stomach.
We were on the road on the way toward the 520 floating bridge before Herne derailed the conversation away from shop talk. I had begun to relax, thinking I was off the hook, when he suddenly decided to become chatty. Viktor was in the back seat, thumbing through an e-book.
“We should start planning the wedding. I know you want to wait for a year before getting married, and that’s fine, but weddings among the gods are far from simple affairs. Our wedding will be a major event, so we need to start discussing the matter now.” He paused. “You do realize it will have to take place in Annwn?”
I nodded. “Actually, yes. I expected that would be the case. But I’d like to bring a few friends over. Marilee, for one. Everybody in the agency, and Raven. How will we manage that?”
“We have a year to figure it out. But anybody you want there, we’ll make it happen. I promise you that.”
“I suppose you already know who will be officiating?” I was quickly beginning to realize that Herne’s customs would take precedence over mine, even though he was doing his best to make it as much my wedding as his.
“Most likely Danu. However, you choose your own bridesmaids and maid of honor. I assume you’re picking Angel for the latter?”
“Of course. As far as bridesmaids, I suppose Raven and Talia. I have some other women friends, but not a great many.” I bit my lip, then asked, “Who are you asking to be your best man?”
Herne raised his eyebrows. “Kipa, even though I’d rather have Viktor.” He glanced in the rearview mirror as Viktor looked up, hearing his name. “Sorry, old man, but custom requires I choose someone in the family. But you and Yutani can be my groomsmen.”
Viktor snorted. “That’s all right. You know, hearing the two of you talk makes me extremely glad that I am not a god. Or marrying a goddess. Sheila and I want a simple affair, although it would be incredible if the Lady Brighid could preside. Other than that, we just want a quiet garden wedding in the snow, if there is any.”
“I can’t promise the snow,” I said. “But I thought we could weave some red rose garlands to go over the trellises and decorate with sprigs of holly.”
“That sounds lovely.”
“What about wedding dresses?” I turned to Herne. “Can I choose my own?”
“I think my mother will probably want to have one made for you. However, I know you’ll be consulted. Her tailors will make it. But…please try to pick something ornate? I know that you like simple, but I can’t stress enough that this will be a huge affair.”
By the tone of his voice, I could tell he was worried that he was imposing too many restrictions. And truth be told, I chafed at being told that I couldn’t even pick out my own wedding dress. But then a thought struck me. What if we had two ceremonies? One the grand one for Herne and all of his relatives. And then we could have a private one, with just a few friends, perhaps out in the woods near our home. I relaxed. Surely he couldn’t object.
“I have an idea,” I said.
“What?”
“What do you think about having two ceremonies? One the grand ball, and the other out in the woods, with just a few friends, private and meaningful to us?” I looked at him, expectant.
After a moment, he nodded. “Of course. That’s the perfect solution. I fully understand why you want that. And whatever it costs—whether you want two wedding dresses or a